Thanks to Danielle Steel, Random House Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a refreshing and enjoyable read, focusing on a cotillion at the Palace of Versailles in the summer of 1959 for 4 lucky American girls. Typical to Steel's writing, there was a bit of drama, but everything was handled by the end of the book. Lovely panoramic scenes also included. Easy to understand the feel of the 1950s as well, post WWII, with the focus on the young ladies 'needing a husband to succeed'... although the young ladies by far bucked the traditional mores there.
Also nice that secondary characters played into the characterization and development, i.e. we were not just focusing on girls in their late teens, but also the (old) parents in their 40s/50s.

Another great read from the master of fiction…great characters, great set pieces, amazing locations…I still do not know Danielle Steel can come up with all these amazing books! Another fantastic set of characters…the girls all become lovable except for the sister from “you know where” the adults have their own separate yet intertwined love story….I couldn’t put this one down…I wish we would have gotten a little more insight into the girls futures but all in all this one was again amazing…another tour de force from Danielle Steel

Danielle Steel has a distinct voice, and it shines through in all of her books. The Ball at Versailles hit all of the high notes for me, romance, friendship, single parents, multiple relationships getting happy endings, female empowerment, and international travel. This story follows four American debutantes that are selected to represent their country at an exclusive Debutante Ball in Versailles. This is an honor and each of them have their own reasons for going and most of them are not to meet a husband. Steel perfectly captures each of their stories and intertwines them into a meeting and friendships that will last a lifetime. I especially loved the secondary relationship stories as our primary characters were making strides in their own lives. Although the ball is only one night the friendships and relationships that it ignites make way for stories and love that will last a lifetime. Another special touch that Steel added was giving us an ending for everyone, even the characters that we didn't particularly enjoy.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for allowing me to preview this title.

In a timeless tradition of the wealthy and elite, 40 Americans were invited to have a Coming Out in France for the first time. This is the story of four of the American women, all with different families, dreams, and challenges. When they meet at the Ball, an instant friendship is formed and their lives will be forever changed. Through many trials and tribulations each of the women finds their destiny and future. Great story with unique characters and a plot that flows seamlessly from scene to scene.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Four young women attend a ball of American/French debutantes as the world comes rushing in around them with a thrill for the glamour, fashion, and fame.
It's the 50's and everything is moving at the Palace of Versailles with a power grab among the elite, the powerful, and the true Hollywood legends.
So much history, so much excitement, and so much love....
Many chess pieces are moving at the same time and you must keep your wits about you but one thing is for sure. All's well that end's well and this one puts a beautiful spin upon everything.
The history, the romance, the fashion, and the characters will blow you away in its exquisite nature.
Thank you for this granted wish and please keep 'em coming....
Much love to Danielle Steel, Random House Publishing, and Netgalle for another beautiful ride!

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Four college students meet at a dance in Paris and become life long friends. Most did not want to go but are glad they did. Their lives went in directions they never anticipated. I cant wait to read her next one.

Book Title: The Ball at Versailles
Author: Danielle Steel
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine ~ Delacorte Press
Genre: Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: November 23, 2023
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 320

This story is historical fiction that takes us into the glitz and glamour of the
balls and debutantes of the late
1950s.
Time: 1959
Place: Palace of Versailles
Event: an exclusive dusk-to-dawn ball in where two hundred and eight-six debutantes from America and France will be presented to international society and royalty.

Four young US girls who are very different from each other have received this once in a lifetime invitation; although these four see the ball as an outdated tradition, they agree to attend as they know it pleases their parents. But will this indeed be something that changes their lives?

Amelia Alexander, who hopes to eventually attend law school,

Felicity Smith is from a prominent in the Dallas family but, Felicity prefers to keep to herself,

Caroline Taylor is the beautiful daughter of Hollywood legends.

Samantha Walker, an art history major with an overprotective father.

The story reminded me of Cinderella - will any of these beautiful young ladies find their Prince Charming? Best of all we readers get to live vicariously through their fairy tale experience.

Awww I still have a smile on my face! Such a pleasant read!

My first Danielle Steel novel was “The Promise” back in 1977. I could not wait until her next novel was release. Although I did move onto Psychological Thrillers but there is a loyalty - a magnet holding me and yes a soft spot for Ms. Steel. This is #48 for me ~ so yes us Danielle Steel fans are a unique group and I am proud to be a member!

Want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine ~ Delacorte Press for granting my “Wish”!!!
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 21, 2023

An engaging romance that begins with a bit of a historical fiction take and moves throughout multiple generations. A beautiful story of loss and love in unexpected places. Well done!

Follow the lives of the well written characters as they all decide whether or not they are good to the ball they’ve been invited too. And then see how it changes their lives and the people they meet. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommended it!

Danielle Steel brings us the story of four young women whose lives are forever changed by one event in time. Each family receives an invitation to the ball at the exclusive Palace of Versailles in 1959. By attending this ball, it opens up a world of possibilities that they never dreamed of if they had refused the invitation. Follow along as each young woman has the courage and determination to follow their dreams and perhaps even find love along the way.

Danielle Steel brings us into the world of debutantes and balls. She brings us into the lives of four very different young women whose lives are shaped by their circumstances and the world they live in. We get to see how this one decision impacts the rest of their lives and how their choices shape the future for them and those around them. She makes you want to turn the page and see what happens next until you arrive at the last page and still want to their stories to continue.

I have read and received an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Delacorte Press for this privilege.

An interesting story of an antiquated custom of debutante balls. You’ll follow the four characters throughout their experience with the debutante balls, and how their life has changed as a result of attending one. Daniel steel knows her audience and knows how to write a great story.

Nope, could not get into this book. I tried really tried, but it's not for me. The writing was subpar at best. Ugh, DNF!! Thank you anyway NetGalley for the ARC!

Follows four American girls who have been invited to an exclusive coming out function at the Palace of Versailles. All four girls have some concerns about participating in this archaic tradition as none of them are interested in finding a husband at this time; which is what they feel this ball is all about.
Samantha, Felicity, Amelia and Caroline meet up at the ball and become friends. While none of the girls would have considered their time at the ball as life changing at the time but enjoyed meeting each other.
The next year of their lives deepens their friendships with each other and shows just how life changing the ball really had been for them.
Thank you to Net Galley and Delacourte Press for the opportunity to read and provide insight into this delightful book.

Loved the book! It was great! I highly recommend! Her books are so great! One thing you can d as pests count on romance but not it getting vulgar! This is how friends stay friends and how romance start!

One of Danielle Steel's best novels. Shows the 50's from multiple viewpoints. Each girl going to the deb presentation have their own reasons. Each parent wants "success' in the form of a secure husband. This gives a glimpse into another time when women were not allowed or given many choices to succeed. From Jane the single mom who struggles to give her daughter the "best," through the deb from Dallas who is bullied by her sister, this is a read again and again sorry.

Very enjoyable read. Will be easy to recommend to many different kinds of readers. I’d like to read more from this author. Believe it or not, this was my first.

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel. A wonderful book about being presented into society. Romance, kindness and friendships are all represented in this book.

This novel has elements of the author’s classic style – namely a strong, independent female protagonist – but it is also unique in drawing upon the stories of four families with teenagers on the cusp of womanhood.

Set in 1958, this historical novel weaves together facts about the first debutante ball held in Versailles and fictional characters that add interest and emotional depth to the storyline. Most young women making their debut in this traditional rite of passage were French nobility, but approximately 40 Americans were invited based on wealth and generational pedigree.

I enjoyed the diversity of the American families and the distinct personalities and interests of the four young women who became good friends through participation in the event. There was enough drama to keep the story moving at a good pace as well as romantic interludes with predictable outcomes.

I always enjoy the author’s books as quick reads for escapist entertainment, and this was no exception.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I have not read anything by Danielle Steel for quite some time,, so this book was a nice, easy , relaxing weekend read. The story of four American teenagers presented at a Ball at Versailles, France in 1959 and their developing friendship afterwards involving their college lives and their own family issues was the basis of this book. This book focused on the reluctance of these young women to be “ presented “ at this ball for the purpose of finding a future husband but they all reluctantly agree to go to appease their parents. They meet in Paris, develop friendships and keep in touch afterwards, sharing joy , happiness, and crises over the following year. This book was an enjoyable fast easy read , that I think many women would like.

This was a lovely, engrossing read from the powerhouse Danielle Steel. I am always amazed at how many books this author has written, and that each one never fails to draw me in, leaving me turning the pages long into the night. This book was a peek into the glorious past of the debutante ball, and as I will never be one myself, I enjoyed this vicarious experience immensely. There are four young women you will meet at this ball, and surprisingly, I liked and cheered for them all (usually there is one character I can't stand). Overall, I really liked this and will definitely be purchasing a paper copy! TEN STARS!!